Lamborghini Opens New Prototype Development Center

A boutique production line for concept cars and limited-run models in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

You don't have to go too far back in history to when Lamborghini only produced one model line. But now that it's part of the Volkswagen group, its scopes are broadening. The Gallardo has bred numerous variants, the Aventador is to breed several more, the Urus SUV is on its way, and the Estoque sedan concept is still not completely off the table. So to keep up with its plans, the exotic automaker has opened a new facility devoted specifically to building prototypes at its headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese in the north of Italy.

Opened in an official ribbon-cutting ceremony by CEO Stefan Winkelmann, government minister Corrado Clini and Sant'Agata mayor Daniela Occhiali, the facility will produce the company's prototypes and small-run models. So not only will the next Lambo concept car be built there, so will vehicles like the Sesto Elemento when it begins production on the facility's small-scale assembly line. Highlighting Lamborghini's social conscience, the new prototype center has already received a Class A energy rating and launches with a donation towards rebuilding from the recent earthquakes that shook the region.